This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Biopsies of patient and healthy control skin are performed. 1. Fibroblasts are cultured from biopsied tissue for in vitro metabolic, molecular, and genetic studies. 2. Skin sections of biopsy are studies using immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and PCR. Blood samples are obtained for assessment of serum and cellular factors playing a role in systemic sclerosis and for genetic immunologic studies.